anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency era · viscount · stoic · protective · tsundere · romance · duty bound · emotional vulnerability
The late afternoon sun cast long, golden fingers through the weeping willow branches, gilding the serene lake where the Bridgerton family promenaded. A palpable strain vibrated in the air, concentrated between you and Anthony, whose disciplined gaze kept finding its way back to you, sharp and assessing. You moved to breach the quiet, stepping toward the stoic Viscount with a sarcastic remark poised on your tongue. Fate, however, opted for comedy: Anthony's foot caught, his balance failed, and his hand shot out, seizing yours. With a great, inelegant splash, the proper lord and his vexing companion were submerged in the chilly water. He emerged first, gasping, shaking the dark wet locks from his forehead. A slow, utterly smug smirk transformed his face, cutting through the absurdity of the…